Joann Hopkins

"The strength of a matriarch lies not just in her authority, but in the wisdom and compassion she weaves into the tapestry of her family."

Our hearts are full of joy and happiness as we remember Joann Hopkins, a loving, resilient, and accomplished soul who passed away in Gahanna, Ohio on December 3rd. She was born on May 4, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio. She married the love of her life, Vernon Hopkins, on January 1, 1966. He passed away in 2005, after 39 years of marriage.

Joann graduated from South High School in 1961 and attended Youngstown State University. She was one of the first black systems engineers and regional trainer for IBM. She retired from IBM in 1993 after over 20 years of service. After her retirement, she enjoyed watching action movies, westerns, eating at restaurants, attending to her flowers, and most importantly spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jordan Grant and Johnnie Mae (Grant) Wallace. Joann is survived by her dedicated daughters: Angela (Christopher) Embry (Gahanna, OH), Kelly Hopkins (Rockhill, SC), Leslie Ware (Charlotte, NC), and her adored son-in-law, Tyrone Ware. She also leaves behind a legacy through her beloved nine grandchildren: Tierra (Shamir) Bobo, Ciara (Christian) Myers, Justin (Jennifer) Ware, Jordan Ware, Shayla Harris, Cameron (Kenisha) Hopkins, Trey Juan Hopkins, Christopher Embry, and Kirsten Embry. She also adored and leaves behind ten beautiful great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Joann is survived by her siblings: Marie Bailey, Delois Brady, Jean Shaw, Arthur Grant, Paulette Shields, and Jacqueline (Ed) Capron, all of Youngstown, OH. She is preceded in death by her brothers-in-law: Al Bailey, Sam Brady, and Donald Shaw.

She was a proud member of New Covenant Believers Church since 1997, where she was a Sunday School teacher and served on the Widows Ministry. Her spirit of service was evident in her volunteering with Project Help and BBlessed2 Outreach Ministries. She was also an active and dedicated member of the Delta Sigma Theta sisterhood.

Her love transcended many generations and touched many hearts over her 80 years of life. We will always remember her contagious smile and honesty that humbled us all. Her impact will be cherished and remembered forever.